Wales will play Belgium in Lille on Friday night in what is undoubtedly the biggest match in the nation's history.

Chris Coleman's side ended a 58-year wait to qualify for a major tournament last year when they confirmed their place at Euro 2016 and, after an encouraging opening to the tournament, they are now just one match away from the semi-finals.

Marc Wilmots' highly-talented Belgium side stand in Wales' way of the last four, but they have defensive issues going into the match.

However, those issues could be rendered irrelevant if Eden Hazard and co catch fire at the other end of the pitch.

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2. Team news

Wales: The Dragons have been given a huge boost ahead of the game, as skipper Ashley Williams looks to have recovered from the shoulder injury he picked up in the last sixteen win over Northern Ireland and is set to play in the last eight showdown.

Ashley Williams is expected to be fit in time to start against Belgium (Image: Getty)

Belgium: While Wales were lifted by the recovery of Williams, Belgium are facing a mini crisis at the back as they will have to line up without both Thomas Vermaelen and Jan Vertonghen.

Vermaelen is serving a one-game suspension, while Vertonghen is suffered a knee injury in training this week and will also miss out.

Eden Hazard had been struggling with a thigh injury but was back in training on Thursday and is expected to be fit.

3. Predicted sides

Wales:

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Belgium:

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4. Reasons for Wales fans to be optimistic

The two sides were in the same qualifying group for the tournament, and Wales took four points from the two matches they played against the Belgians without conceding a goal.

It seems no distance is too far for Gareth Bale when it comes to taking free kicks, and if Belgium commit any fouls within shooting range for the Welsh wizard there's every chance they'll be made to pay.

Jonathan Williams and Hal Robson-Kanu changed the game against Northern Ireland when they came off the bench, showing Wales have useful options they can turn to if plan A isn't working out.

Gareth Bale has scored three goals for Wales in France - two of which have been from free-kicks (Image: PA Wire)

5. Reasons for Belgium fans to be optimistic

After running riot against Hungary in the last sixteen, Belgium are now the tournament's top scorers with eight goals.

Eden Hazard finally came to the party in the last game with a dazzling display, and if he's in form then his country will be hard to stop.

As well as being one of the strongest attacking forces left in the tournament, the Red Devils are also sound at the back and haven't conceded a goal since the opening game defeat to Italy.

Captain Eden Hazard finally found some form in the last 16 win over Hungary (Image: Getty)

6. Last 5 meetings

Wales 1-0 Belgium (Euro 2016 qualifying, 2015)

Belgium 0-0 Wales (Euro 2016 qualifying, 2014)

Belgium 1-1 Wales (World Cup qualifying, 2013)

Wales 0-2 Belgium (World Cup qualifying, 2012)

Belgium 3-2 Wales (World Cup qualifying, 1997)

Wales won their last meeting with Belgium in Cardiff last year (Image: David Rogers)

7. Recent form

Wales – last 5 games

Wales 1-0 Northern Ireland (Euro 2016)

Russia 0-3 Wales (Euro 2016)

England 2-1 Wales (Euro 2016)

Wales 2-1 Slovakia (Euro 2016)

Sweden 3-0 Wales (Friendly)

Belgium – last 5 games

Hungary 0-4 Belgium (Euro 2016)

Sweden 0-1 Belgium (Euro 2016)

Belgium 3-0 Republic of Ireland (Euro 2016)

Belgium 0-2 Italy (Euro 2016)

Belgium 3-2 Norway (Friendly)

8. Wales' key man

Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey (Image: AFP/Getty)

While Bale is undoubtedly the superstar of this Wales team, arguably just as important to the team is Aaron Ramsey who's enjoying a superb tournament after a difficult season with Arsenal.

The midfielder was outstanding in the group stage, and was a big factor in them topping the group with his individual performance in the 3-0 win over Russia one of the best the competition has seen so far.

If the 25-year-old is at his creative best then the Dragons will be in with a real chance of reaching the semi finals in their first ever European Championship.

9. Belgium's key man

Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku (Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos)

Belgium have a plethora of creative attacking talent in their squad who are guaranteed to create chances, but the responsibility of converting those chances will mainly be on the shoulders of Everton forward Romelu Lukaku .

The 23-year-old had a wretched time of it in front of goal against Italy, but a brace in the next game against Ireland will have done his confidence the world of good and he'll fancy his chances of adding to his goal tally against a defence consisting of defenders he's used to terrorising week in week out in the Premier League.

10. Betting odds

Wales after 90 minutes: 22/5

Draw after 90 minutes: 27/11

Belgium after 90 minutes: 9/11

Wales to qualify: 40/17

Belgium to qualify: 6/17

Odds courtesy of Unibet

11. Quote corner

Wales boss Chris Coleman: “We have to remember the experience we have had the last couple of years, some of the performances these players have put on for the nation have been breathtaking.

Chris Coleman has guided Wales to the quarter-finals in France (Image: Handout)

“We will be the underdogs, but we won't be fearing Belgium.

“When teams go for us and play open, we can do a lot of damage.”

Belgium winger Eden Hazard: “We will need to be focused, we haven't put any pressure on ourselves but we want to go as far as we can in the tournament.

“I think it will be a great celebration in Lille, I hope there will be plenty of supporters there to take part and that they cheer us on.”